News

Judge: 49ers to get disputed $30M in stadium funds

The Associated Press

Posted:
03/21/2013 02:21:46 PM PDT

Updated:
03/21/2013 02:21:46 PM PDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—A judge in Sacramento has tentatively ruled that the San Francisco 49ers are entitled to $30 million in tax funds that Santa Clara voters approved earmarking for the team's new stadium.

The San Jose Mercury News reports ( http://bit.ly/11kK66r) that Superior Court Judge Allen Sumner ruled Wednesday that California finance officials and Santa Clara County education and elected leaders improperly tried to divert the redevelopment money for public schools and other local projects.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the 49ers. The team did not respond to a request for comment because the Sumner's decision could still be appealed.

The judge says the team might have to wait until l 2016 to see the money, though.

But the Mercury News says the withheld funds aren't expected to slow construction of the $1.2 billion stadium.